Player to watch: It would be unwise for Dennis Erickson to overburden first-year starting quarterback Brock Osweiler. Fortunately for Erickson, he doesn't have to. Arizona State has a budding star in the backfield in junior tailback Cameron Marshall. A blend of size (5-11, 223) and speed, Marshall rushed for a team-high 787 yards and nine touchdowns last season, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He had a career-high 147 yards on Nov. 26 against UCLA, including a 71-yard touchdown.

What they're saying: “In mid-April, Arizona State unveiled new uniforms, new helmets and a new branding campaign entitled, ‘Fear the Fork.' But will they still be the same ol' Sun Devils? Dennis Erickson's team hasn't played in a bowl game the last three seasons. … The good news: The Sun Devils return 12 starters and are considered one of the favorites in the Pac-12's South Division. If that experience can turn the close losses of 2010 -- ASU lost to Wisconsin, Oregon, Oregon State, USC and Stanford by a combined 20 points -- into victories, the Sun Devils could challenge for a conference title.” -- AthlonSports.com

Maya's musings: A bowl bid has been on the line the past three times for these near equals and this year might be no different. UCLA can take solace in that it hosts Arizona State, which claimed two of those meetings but fell 23-13 to the Bruins in the one held at the Rose Bowl. Many see the Sun Devils as early favorites in the Pac-12 South, although that seems to be premature for a program that hasn't made the postseason since 2007. By the time of this November tilt, they'll more than likely be contenders trying to stave off a UCLA team with hopes of making a division title and/or bowl run of its own. Add in the fact both coaches are on the hot seat and whichever team actually needs a win here more probably will.

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